Darius Boyd admitted to clinic - seeks treatment for depression

Hey Muzz, Have you seen Dawn of the Planet of the Apes? Its a clear metaphor for how humans will often jump to misguided conclusions corralled by people with agendas. The chimps are worked up into an angry mob by those seeking power rather than use their own capacity to practice poise, foresight and offering the benefit of the doubt to the instrument of their hate...and as in art so it often is in life...all hell breaks out and much suffering ensues.

I can see how he struggles VOR however many fans of the game perceive his attitude as arrogance.Arrogance doesn't sit well with sports fans.The media choose to focus on this as he doesn't have a great relationship with them and this makes the problem greater.The public may now have a better understanding that Boyds behaviour is influenced by some kind of phycological condition.

Mozzie didn't we agree to just 24hours with the name thing? Foremost, I think that he is clearly threatened by the media. He may judge them across the board based on how he perceives past experiences with them. It's of course impossible to say. What I will say is that we can all do our part to make things better for people suffering mental illness and associated problems. I responded to an article written by Renegade in regards to Todd going off the rails again. It's pretty much how I see it....and you'll note to the chagrin of my knockers on the subject that my views on Carney's situation demonstrate the erroneous accusations that my critiques of certain individuals are along partisan lines rather than their particular deeds. I'm afraid subtleties are often lost in this realm. “Todd may have used up all his chances, but he is still a human being.” ..this has to be the bottom line and while we all need to take responsibility for our own actions it is simply fact that some human beings are not as well equipped to make the common sense choices as others. Because of their often unfortunate experiences in the formative years of life some people require more attention and support than a superficial efforts and good intentions. Toddy Carney may have failed the Sharks and the NRL when it comes to receiving bad press but in no way is it all one way traffic."

Dr VOR, Do you think Boyds famous interview (when at the Dragons, can be viewed on You Tube) shows his arrogance or is this shyness and introvertness?

Well Ej you are the one that personally called me out by labelling me a hypocrite.....not the other way round. I have been prepared to defend my position and provide you with much detail to support my reasoning while you have provided little substance to back up your criticisms of me...then when things aren't so black and white as perhaps you are normally used to....you resort to name calling and rallying arms with those in your corner that have a similar aptitude for such things. If only life was so simple. I'll draw a line under my contribution on the matter here by repeating what I put down for Epiquin. We obviously look at life very differently. I see value in calling out incidents where I believe personal criticisms have overstepped the mark…and you call this act sanctimonious. I can live with that. Good night.

I think Epiquin summed you up perfectly when he labelled you "sanctimonious". Nothing more needs to be said.

You have shown your capacity to exaggerate in the past and you are at it again. My comment with which you have taken issue: "Meaning there has been plenty of cheap shots aimed at Boyd on the Roar Forums….easy target for cheap laughs…yer sure he’s public property but hopefully a few of the Monday experts can pull their heads in for a bit." According to you this is lambasting. I just think you are making it personal eJ. Regarding your very first point. I disagree whole heartedly. You are labelling me as a hypocrite so it has everything to do with the comparison between the acts of Bird, Gallen and Boyd. I don't particularly want to start a social psychology lesson..i'll just say that cultural norms exist where certain acts are considered private in nature and there are others that are differentiated by the fact that they have greater spheres of influence on the community. This makes them public property...foundational norms...for example, acts of racial vilification. I really do hope you can respect this distinction. I stand by my comment that people have the capacity for foresight...nothing revolutionary here..you would hope anyway. My comment copied here to illustrate how benign it was and how reactionary you have proved yourself to be. "Mate, we are not chimpanzees….as homo sapiens we have the capicity to practice foresight….The very demeanour that makes Darius Boyd an easy target also makes him the perfect pin up boy for mental illness." Darius is clearly a massive introvert and has been an easy target. His treatment has definitely lacked foresight by the angry crowd and has been in fact shameful. Ultimately only individual's know how they sit with their contribution. In this regard it was heartening to see Ryan O'Connell's response. I think he did something quite powerful with his sobering comment. I've not wanted to use his contribution to help make my point and you will see that since the story broke I have not done this. My recent criticisms towards Bird was about his on field behaviour and repeated foul play that has seen him punished at the judiciary so I see a distinction here as well....You say my "criticism of Johns....has not waned"...I joked recently about the 8th Immoral....for the record it was a one off comment so your assertion that in some way my criticism of Johns has been persistent is false and an exaggeration. Secondly and most importantly the valid distinction here is in regards to the application of foresight which I promoted in this forum. The phenomena of collective criticism and backslapping that preceded Boyd going into a mental health facility was often acidic in nature and is far, far different from a benign comment from your's truly on a forum that is offering Andrew John's many platitudes. Again without slanted perspective I believe the distinction is obvious.

This has truly gone over your head VOR. It has nothing to do with the comparison between the acts of Bird, Gallen and Boyd. But rather the fact that you lambast people for criticising Boyd, as though we should all feel guilt that he has checked himself into rehab for depression. That we lacked "foresight" in not seeing the tell-tale signs and we should feel ashamed for ever noting that his interview at the Dragons was like that of a child. Yet you openly criticise Bird and Gallen. And so we ask would you feel guilt and apologise profusely if Gallen or Bird were to come out and speak of their depression? Of course not. Much like your criticism of Johns, a known sufferer of depression and bi-polar, has not waned. We all wish Boyd all the best in his recovery. Mental illness can inflict anybody. Seeking help, away from the spotlight, is the first major step in him getting his life back on track.

I've actually valued what Renegade has had to say on the subject. Good to see EagleJack is moving up in the world and he know speaks for the whole ROAR forum. Any opinion you may have EJ regarding my position has been far outweighed by those in agreement with it. For the record I have not been hiding from the question of hypocrisy. I'll point you to a couple of my responses in this very forum - "Pat…having a concern for the ‘other’ and their mental health should not run along partisan lines. The premise of your question needs closer observation. What are you suggesting exactly, that we excuse Darius Boyd of? What are the well founded criticisms..if any? Are they really worth the cheap shots the individual has had to deal with? Are they really sufficient for him to become a pariah in the rugby league community? All these are valid questions. So before you talk of excusing Darius Boyd of anything, I want to know what you suggest we exactly excuse him of? Then I can address my criticisms of Paul Gallen and Greg Bird that you allude to." ....and I'll ask you to take note of my question to 'the Barry' "Please provide some substance to back up your assertion. What criticism exactly is warranted?" I received no response to either of these questions, perhaps Renegade, EagleJack or JohnK can oblige? Seriously yesterday and today I was just over the ignorance been showed on these forums surrounding the very serious issue of mental illness.... ...and then I really thought.... if you mob could not see the difference between the overt and radically PERSONAL and broad sweeping criticisms directed at Boyd from a groundswell of Rugby League fans resembling the angry crowd fuelled by such ill thought out articles as "is Darius Boyd the most hated player in the NRL") and the treatment given to Paul Gallen for his litany of indiscretions which in contrast deserve much public commentary and critique....well then you can have your day. Fine with me. I see only your lack of perspective on show. As I understand it Darius has never been found guilty of racial discrimination...but I put it to you, what has Darius been found guilty of? Spell it out for me and we can draw comparisons if you wish.

If anything, his recent behaviour seems to be a great example of someone struggling with depression, and the opposite of 'convenient' timing. Anger can be a manifestation of depression, so trashing a hotel room and avoiding an interview could well reflect that he's struggling.

Look, the guy is a bell end. Don't let this story hide the facts he has acted like a tw@t for many many years now. There are thousands of people in australia with depression, 99% of whom would know trashing a hotel room solves nothing. Too many people hide their stuff ups with a diagnosis. Get off your high horse Mrs Boyd

Nah I don't think so, I reckon it's legit. And if league were working a cover up, it would be very low.

Don't hold your breath Johnk or Renegade. The irony of VOR's stance has not been lost on the rest of the Roar community.

I agree with that Renegade C'mon V.O.R you have to admit that if the shoe were on the other foot (as in if it were either Gallen or Bird), you would react similar to the others above. I too am guilty of giving a little to Boyd (although it was mainly about his relationship with Bennett), but now knowing more information and his current condition, I feel for the bloke and hope he pulls through.

Well he may really have mental problems, I remember Tim Smith from parramatta had a few and even Jamie Lyon i think.

So hes nuts? OK? Let's move on. MH17 is real news not this!

Maybe he's just another spoilt overpaid bratt that's had a rock star moment after not getting his way in origin and a crap year at club level . This makes me sick this out pouring of sympathy for a person who has so much and carrys on like a baby despite his position of privilege . See the Forrest for the trees .

REALLY!!! I was speaking/writing about my nephew because has Asperger's syndrome an replied how Adrien said "Boyd probably has that also" Jesus! I write the facts, even though some people can't handle the truth. I think that was a movie line many years ago?? At least I say the he facts. I should credit with that, though I dought I will get credit here?? Who knows???

Totally agree. It almost seems convenient doesn't it. I don't think anyone can say he doesn't have depression, but it seems to me that every single time an NRL player gets in trouble, it always comes out that they have depression, bipolar or alcohol issues, when it has never been reported on them before. Yes, people do try and keep these things quiet, of course they do. Look at Andrew Johns. I have a brother who is bipolar and can guarantee you that he is nowhere near as happy and thoughtful in what he says and on top of things like Andrew Johns is, and most of them aren't, medication or not. Like I said, almost convenient, and if it's not true it really is an insult to those that truly suffer from these mental illnesses.

I said “Over many years Boyd has been singled out for special treatment in relation to his character. You comparison to the professional criticisms aimed at Dave Smith does not hold water.” You said Why doesn’t it hold water? You make that statement and then don’t give anything to back it up. My response is - Attacking a players personality like "Is Darius Boyd the most hated player in the NRL?" and making cheap shots directed at his masculinity is different to criticisms regarding an individuals performance in their profession. Thought that one was pretty self explanatory. Look i could go on to refute the rest of your points but it's hardly worth it. I'd simply be repeating myself and it would be a waste of my time and yours. We obviously look at life very differently. I see value in calling out incidents where I believe personal criticisms have overstepped the mark...and you call this act sanctimonious. I can live with that. Good night.